The insecure loading of high cube containers into bay 62 was contrary to the ship's cargo securing manual and not identifiable by the cargo computer software in use at the time. Consequently, forces generated during the heavy rolling resulted in dislodging of all containers above the cell guides and the loss of 16 overboard.
The safety action taken adequately addresses the issues associated with the loading and securing of high cube containers in bays with cell guides, including the guidance provided in the cargo securing manual.
APL notified the ATSB that, in consultation with DNV GL, an assessment of the safe stowage and carriage of high cube containers on the vessel had been completed. APL also conducted an internal safety assessment of the practice. As a result, limits were imposed on the numbers of high cube containers which could be loaded into bays fitted with cell guides.
This restriction effectively limits the extent to which containers protrude above the cell guides.
APL also notified the ATSB that the cargo securing manuals for APL England and similar fleet vessels were reviewed in consultation with DNV GL. The manuals were updated to include the revised stowage arrangements for high cube containers.
APL also advised that the wider CMA CGM Group and subsidiary entity fleets were made aware of this issue and the safety actions taken.
